Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2024

Badge for BEST IN NEBRASKA GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Nebraska offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Best Grad Schools in Nebraska

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  1. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  2. Creighton University
  3. University of Nebraska Omaha
  4. Bellevue University
  5. Doane University
  6. College of Saint Mary
  1. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  2. Creighton University
  3. University of Nebraska Omaha
  4. Bellevue University
  5. Doane University
  6. College of Saint Mary
  1. University of Nebraska Omaha 86%
  2. University of Nebraska–Lincoln 79%
  3. Creighton University 76%
  4. Doane University 76%
  5. College of Saint Mary 65%
  1. University of Nebraska–Lincoln 16 to 1
  2. University of Nebraska Omaha 15 to 1
  3. Bellevue University 13 to 1
  4. Creighton University 11 to 1
  5. Doane University 10 to 1
  6. College of Saint Mary 8 to 1
  1. Creighton University $45,590
  2. Doane University $38,990
  3. College of Saint Mary $22,450
  4. Bellevue University $8,790
  5. University of Nebraska–Lincoln $7,770
  6. University of Nebraska Omaha $6,344
  1. College of Saint Mary $21,103
  2. Creighton University $17,496
  3. Bellevue University $11,340
  4. Doane University $8,743
  5. University of Nebraska–Lincoln $6,138
  6. University of Nebraska Omaha $6,138
  1. College of Saint Mary
  2. Doane University
  3. Bellevue University
  4. University of Nebraska Omaha
  5. Creighton University
  6. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  1. College of Saint Mary
  2. Doane University
  3. Bellevue University
  4. University of Nebraska Omaha
  5. Creighton University
  6. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  1. College of Saint Mary 65%
  2. Doane University 76%
  3. Creighton University 76%
  4. University of Nebraska–Lincoln 79%
  5. University of Nebraska Omaha 86%
  1. College of Saint Mary 8 to 1
  2. Doane University 10 to 1
  3. Creighton University 11 to 1
  4. Bellevue University 13 to 1
  5. University of Nebraska Omaha 15 to 1
  6. University of Nebraska–Lincoln 16 to 1
  1. University of Nebraska Omaha $6,344
  2. University of Nebraska–Lincoln $7,770
  3. Bellevue University $8,790
  4. College of Saint Mary $22,450
  5. Doane University $38,990
  6. Creighton University $45,590
  1. University of Nebraska–Lincoln $6,138
  2. University of Nebraska Omaha $6,138
  3. Doane University $8,743
  4. Bellevue University $11,340
  5. Creighton University $17,496
  6. College of Saint Mary $21,103

Colleges and Universities in Nebraska

Students can choose from 29 higher learning institutions, including community colleges, technical institutes, religious colleges, and public universities. Of the 15 public campuses, the University of Nebraska - Lincoln is the largest, with over 22,000 students. Coming in under the national average, the university’s tuition rate is $9,000, and students can earn their degree in fields such as law, mathematics, communication, and sociology.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

The most affordable schools in the state are its six community colleges with tuition ranging from $3,000 to $4,000. Nebraska also has 12 religiously affiliated institutions, including those with Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, and Lutheran influences. At $40,000 in tuition, Creighton University is both the largest and most expensive of these schools, and it boasts a 95% employment rate after graduation.

As one of the largest corn producers in the country, it’s no wonder Nebraska’s nickname is The Cornhusker State. The state is also home to an unusual monument - Carhenge. Replicating England’s famous Stonehenge, this structure is made out of vintage American automobiles that have been painted gray and lodged into the ground. With the Great Plains, over 20,000 square miles of sand dunes, and a portion of the Badlands, Nebraska offers a unique setting for students looking to earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.

Mental health, dental, and other health care professionals working in shortage areas can apply for loan repayment awards through the Nebraska Loan Repayment Program. Doctors and dentists may qualify for up to $200,000.

Come check out the top programs and earn your degree in Nebraska.


What are Nebraska’s Colleges & Universities?

Nebraska’s Best Overall


Nebraska's Best Grad Schools Badge
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There are 6 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Nebraska. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Nebraska is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2023

  1. #1

    University of Nebraska–Lincoln

    Lincoln , NE
    #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Nebraska–Lincoln

    Cost of Degree: $9,620
    Expenses: $17,210
    Starting Salary: $52,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Nebraska–Lincoln known for?

    University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Creighton University

    Omaha , NE
    #5 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #7 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #1 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1313/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Creighton University

    Cost of Degree: $45,638
    Expenses: $15,830
    Starting Salary: $70,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Creighton University known for?

    Creighton University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Bellevue University

    Bellevue , NE
    #7 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bellevue University

    Cost of Degree: $8,790
    Expenses: $16,395
    Starting Salary: $60,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bellevue University known for?

    Bellevue University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    College of Saint Mary

    Omaha , NE
    #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #8 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Nebraska 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at College of Saint Mary

    Cost of Degree: $22,450
    Expenses: $12,716
    Starting Salary: $43,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is College of Saint Mary known for?

    College of Saint Mary’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
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Nebraska’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  2. Creighton University
  3. University of Nebraska Omaha
  4. College of Saint Mary
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